Topic: CES 2018

Apple was busy in January 2018 with legal cases, Warhol's Apple logo art, Apple Music successes, and working hard to get us the HomePod. AppleInsider revisits the very start of 2018, the year that would see Apple become the most valuable company in the world on paper -- for a while.

Ergonomic design firm Humanscale has updated one of its compact docks for the workplace, with the M/Connect 2 retaining the split docking station design while introducing USB-C charging and enabling the connection of higher-resolution monitors to the accessory.

Occipital took to CES to show off its 3D scanning technology and how it can be used with iOS devices, including the Canvas app and Structure accessory that can quickly scan a room using an iPad, and the Bridge headset that turns an iPhone into a mixed reality device.

Kopi has launched a range of smart home accessories and security devices compatible with HomeKit at CES, including a central security hub, contact sensors, a smoke and carbon monoxide detector, and a motion sensor with a built-in LED for illumination.

CES is known for being the venue for major tech industry announcements, but alongside the usual array of docks, accessories, and televisions at the Las Vegas trade show are more unusual devices that offer something a bit different. AppleInsider spent time with a few of the off-beat products on display.

On this week's AppleInsider Podcast, Victor interviews Deirdre Leid of Pioneer about using Lightning for headphones and the advantages it brings, and catches up with Mike about the weird and wonderful things from CES 2018.

AppleInsider was given a first look at SimpliSafe's refreshed home security system, guided by founder and CEO Chad Laurans, as well as its outdoor security camera and video doorbell arriving later this year.

Zotac has announced the Amp Box and Amp Box Mini, two upcoming eGPU enclosures that, in combination with a compatible video card, should boost the graphics performance of Thunderbolt 3-equipped MacBooks.

Asus has added a new high-end display to its range of professional monitors that is made for those who work on the move, with the ProArt PQ22UC consisting of a 21.6-inch 4K OLED panel with USB Type-C connectivity that can be easily transported as a second display for a MacBook Pro.

Accessory producer Satechi revealed its Type-C 75WMultiport Travel Charger, capable of charging up to four devices simultaneously, with it also capable of providing enough power to recharge a MacBook and an MacBook Pro as well as iPhones, iPads, and other devices.

Smart home security firm SimpliSafe has performed a major refresh of its product line, collaborating with global design firm Ideo to redesign its devices with a modern look and smaller sensors, as well as improving the underlying technology the security system itself.

Philips used this week's CES to announce a series of software-related upgrades to its Hue lighting system, including the immediate launch of Hue Entertainment, and new apps for both desktop and mobile devices.

Alpine has big ambitions for the iLX-F309 in-car infotainment system, as the Apple CarPlay-compatible aftermarket head unit boasts a nine-inch screen that 'hovers' out from the dashboard, allowing it to be installed in vehicles that cannot usually house an oversized screen without customization.

Smart home lighting producer Nanoleaf has launched two products this week, with the dodecahedron-shaped Remote able to control HomeKit scenes by changing orientation, while a square version of its Light Panels will offer motion and touch sensitivity, while also increasing the number of panels usable in a single installation.